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LOT 580A

1955 BSA 348cc Gold Star Racing Motorcycle Registration no. not registered Frame no. CB32 4202 Engine no. DB32GS 156

Estimate: £8,000 - £10,000
Lot 580A

1955 BSA 348cc Gold Star Racing Motorcycle
Registration no. not registered Frame no. CB32 4202 Engine no. DB32GS 156

1955 BSA 348cc Gold Star Racing Motorcycle
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. CB32 4202
Engine no. DB32GS 156

On Wednesday 30th June 1937, a specially prepared Empire Star 500 ridden by the great Wal Handley achieved a 100mph lap of the Brooklands circuit on its way to a debut race victory and the award of the 'Gold Star' that would give BSA's new super-sports model its evocative name. Possibly the most successful production racing motorcycle ever, the post-war Gold Star formed the mainstay of Clubman's racing in the 1950s. In fact, it was the model's domination of the Isle of Man Clubman's TT that led to the event being dropped after Gold Star rider Bernard Codd's 1956 Senior/Junior double victory. Always popular, the Gold Star class remains well supported in classic/historic racing today.

This '350' Goldie consists of the frame from a 1956 model-year DB34 scrambler sent to BSA's West Coast USA distributor on 28th November 1955, and the engine of a UK DB32 (unspecified trim) sent to Hull on 11th May of that same year. Stored for a few years and offered from a private collection, the Goldie is in running condition (last started in March 2022) and should require only minimal re-commissioning before further use. However, its mechanical condition is not known and thus the machine is sold strictly as viewed. Notable feature includes a Taylor-Dow-type top yoke; TLS front brake; RRT2 gearbox; Amal GP carburettor; alloy wheel rims (rear Borrani); and an original Lyta aluminium alloy fuel tank.

Footnotes

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding

Saleroom notices

Please note this is an added Lot 580A. The machine has had fresh oil and a plug and a video of it running is available to view.

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